Packing your child’s lunch shouldn’t be stressful, but for many busy moms, it is just one more task that needs to be done on a busy morning. While adults can easily prepare lunch for the week using a meal prep service like Lean Kitchen, little ones are usually pickier and require smaller, fresh options for each day of the week. Whether you’re packing a lunch for school, daycare, camp, or anywhere else your child might be headed for the day, it is important to pack enough food that will keep them full, while also preventing food waste by only packing what they will eat. If you’re looking for some new ideas for school lunches that your child will actually eat, keep reading!
1. Sandwiches
You are likely already packing some kind of sandwich for your child’s lunch since they are a relatively quick and inexpensive meal option. The great thing about sandwiches is that they are often kid-friendly, with ingredients that even the pickiest eaters like or can easily modify. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a classic, but if your child is tired of eating them, you could also try:
- Hummus and veggies
- Cream Cheese (add salmon for protein if your child likes it)
- Cold cuts – ham, roasted chicken, and turkey sandwiches are all high in protein and will keep your child full for the rest of the school day!
2. Filling Sides
In addition to a sandwich or other “entree,” be sure to give your child a filling side dish. This could include some kind of rice or pasta dish depending on the entree, or a cheese and meat spread. You could also try:
- Chips and salsa
- Salad
- Veggies (broccoli, miniature corn cobs, carrots, and cauliflower are all filling options that most children like, and can be eaten cold)
3. Snacks
Once your child has been given a filling and healthy entree and side dish, it is time to pack snacks that they will enjoy. Popular and filling snacks include:
- Pretzels – try a soft pretzel cut into bite-sized pieces for a fun take on this classic snack
- Apples and peanut butter (or chocolate/hazelnut spread)
- Fruit Slices
- Crackers
4. Dessert
Reward your child for eating a healthy lunch and give them a fun snack to look forward to with dessert. This could include:
- Cookies
- A slice of cake or pie
- Fruit salad
- Mini chocolate bars